One of my favorite things to do is grocery shopping!  Grocery shopping brings me peace, brings me joy, and brings me comfort.  I know it may sound a bit nuts but grocery shopping is not as much about stocking up the fridge as it is about building relationships. 

 There’s a lot of preparation prior to arriving to the grocery store.  First, I take an inventory of what I need and then I create a list.  Next, I look through coupons and then I finally create a budget.  I generally tend to stick with items on the list, unless of course there’s a manager’s special or buy-one-get-one free extravaganza.  If so, I’ll stock the freezer as if Revelations and the end of time is next week. 

With my list in hand and as I make my way to the entrance of the store, I wonder, “Who is working today?”  Over time, I’ve gotten to know many of the grocery store employees.  This is my favorite part of the shop - fellowshipping with the employees.  I enjoy hearing about their lives and experiences.  They’re so eager to tell me about themselves and I treasure their friendship. 

 I remember as kids, my mom made friends everywhere we went.  We didn’t usually meet strangers.  We visited the library and the staff came from behind the counter to greet us with a big smile. “Hello Krapf girls”, they’d say.  They were happy to see and update us on their lives and special events. 

I loved the feeling of being wanted, needed, and favored.  All these years later, I feel the same - it’s important to let people know they’re needed.  We all want to be wanted.  Bob in produce, Patrice in seafood, and Will in dairy want to be wanted.  So, as I make my way pass the granny smith apples and red seedless grapes, I hope to see Bob to ask about his daughter’s final exams, or Patrice whose grandkids visited from Mississippi. 

Grocery shopping is not only about stocking my cabinets with great food, but about fellowship.  God planted these very special people on my path, so I can give them encouragement!  They work hard to make sure I have the highest quality foods and I work hard to let them know how much I appreciate them.  I rely on them and I let them know how important they are. 

Many times, people are in such a rush and overwhelmed with life, that they don’t even have time for a smile.  We all need affirmation and words of encouragement. I know I do! 

 At the end of my visit at the grocery store, my cart is full and so is my heart; my friends are well and I’ve got some goodies!

So, next time you’re out and about, reach out to someone in fellowship and don’t forget to share a smile along the way.

Jenny Krapf is a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She is passionate about film-making, international travel, and her two dogs. Favorite word: Freedom